Tragedy struck in Udianga Enem, a quiet community in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, as suspected cultists brutally murdered a farmer identified as Itoro Umanah in his home late Monday night.
Sources within the community revealed that the attackers invaded the victim’s residence around 10pm while he was asleep on the veranda alongside his wife and three children. The assailants reportedly butchered him without mercy.
Narrating the horrifying ordeal, the widow, Mrs. Jimmy, explained that the gang called out to her husband after entering the compound, and when he responded, a struggle ensued before he was gruesomely killed.
“They came at about 10:00 pm, my husband, who was tired after returning from work, was sleeping at the veranda, resting because of the heat inside. They (the assailants) came, called my husband out.
“My husband shouted and raised the alarm, but no one came to his rescue, and suddenly his voice could not be heard again. At that point, I took my children and escaped into the bush behind our backyard.
“In the morning neighbours arrived to see his dismembered body. I have three children, and the elderly is a final year in a monotechnic college in Uyo,” she said.
A relative of the deceased, who requested anonymity, hinted at a lingering land dispute between Itoro and his elder brother, suggesting that the confrontation may have escalated into fatal violence.
Chairman of the village, Chief Lawson Marcus Akpanowon, confirmed that the matter was reported to the Divisional Police Station at Utu Etim Ekpo.
He added that the police gave approval for the burial after inspecting the remains.
“After securing Police consent, we buried the deceased. The Police team had come to see the body cut into pieces, and we were asked to work in synergy and do some internal investigations,” the traditional ruler stated.
Confirming the incident, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command assured that steps are being taken to bring the perpetrators to justice. Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has reportedly launched a full-scale manhunt.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, said, “Investigation on the incident has commenced. I will update you before the end of the day.”
The community remains in shock as the investigation unfolds.
